We just love this; honeyed pears and quince and moreishly off-dry
The Te Arai vineyard is five kilometres from the sea. This maritime proximity underlies the wines unique South Pacific style. The silt soils give fragrance while the occasional incidence of botrytis, generated by the autumnal mists from the Te Arai stream, gives complex texture and body to the wine. You can smell ripe apple, tracking towards quince, acacia honey and waxy pears, evolving to a myriad of layers as it matures. On the palate the finely grained tannin from fruit and large wood bind into the clipped yet refreshing acidity, an alluring rich honeyed character will develop and intensify with time. We've had a lot of fun paring this off-dry white with some fabulous cheeses this last year and the overwhelming thumbs up is to enjoy this with the equally delicious Old Amsterdam.
'Just 12.5% ABV here, Hint of wax and wool, lots of dry, crunchy apple fruit, lemon at the core. On the palate fabulous juiciness and freshness. Dry and pithy, with tight fruit and gorgeous definition. What a lovely, crisp Chenin this is, feeling as if it will have ageing potential, with that great, lemony thrust on the finish.' 89 points Tom Cannavan's Wine Pages, March 2013 (2010 vintage)
Silver Medal at the International Wine Challenge 2012
12.5% ABV
James and Annie Millton established The Millton Vineyards in 1984. Located within kilometres of the South Pacific ocean Gisborne enjoys a temperate maritime climate with warm summers cooled by the afternoon sea breeze, misty autumns and mild winters. As biodynamic producers they incorporate the use of special herbal preparations and teas along with a deep understanding of the complex cosmic rhythms which affect their daily activities. James and Annie are committed to leaving the land in an improved state for future generations.
'These wines are not just superb by Gisborne standards, they are among New Zealand's best.' Jamie Goode, 2013


Tasting with James Millton
